The use of aprepitant in a case of refractory nausea and vomiting. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lowery, Lucy; Andrew, Inga; Gill, Sarah; Lee, Mark
• Is Part Of: Palliative medicine. Volume 28:Number 7(2014)
• Page Start: 990
• Page End: 991
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: Aprepitant -- neurokinin receptor antagonist -- nausea -- vomiting -- refractory; Pain -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Palliative Care -- Periodicals; Palliatieve behandeling; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1177/0269216314530180
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-2163

Abstract

Background: This case report describes a patient whose refractory nausea and vomiting significantly improved with the use of aprepitant, a neurokinin receptor antagonist currently only licensed for short-term use in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Case presentation: A patient with breast cancer and meningeal metastases had an 18-month history of nausea and vomiting refractory to a number of antiemetics commonly used in palliative care. The nausea and vomiting resolved after receiving two doses of the drug aprepitant. Case management and outcome: Maintenance antiemetic treatment with aprepitant was continued over a 5-month period with no recurrence of nausea and vomiting, and no observed side effects. Conclusions: Aprepitant has a potential role as an antiemetic for refractory symptoms within the palliative-care setting.